3 moves the Steelers must consider before the season
By Scott Long
Despite making several key moves in the offseason, there are several moves the Steelers should still look into prior to the start of the NFL season.
The Steelers started off last season at 11-0 and made the playoffs, however, the season was viewed as a disappointment due to the promising start, and the collapse in the final six games of their season. While they had a strong season last year, they had several key free agents this offseason and addressed several needs.
They addressed their issues in the running game by selecting running back, Najee Harris in the first round of the NFL draft. Additionally, they addressed needs on the offensive line by drafting center Kendrick Green, and offensive tackle Dan Moore Jr., while also signing Trai Turner, and several veterans for depth. On the defensive side of the ball, the team brought in Melvin Ingram some depth at edge rusher and traded for middle linebacker Joe Schobert to strengthen their linebacker group.
Despite the additions thus far the Steelers still have work to do, and they have the money to do so. After releasing David DeCastro and restructuring Stephon Tuitt’s contract the Steelers still have $17.68 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap. The following are three moves the Steelers absolutely must consider before the start of the season.
Add a Cornerback
This offseason the Steelers lost starting cornerback Steven Nelson to the Eagles, and starting nickel cornerback Mike Hilton to the Bengals. While the team did retain Cameron Sutton to play alongside Joe Haden, the team has very little experience outside of those two.
James Pierre has impressed in camp and during the Preseason and has the inside track to be the third corner, with Sutton likely playing outside in two-receiver sets, and shifting inside in nickel packages so Pierre can play outside. However, Pierre has very little experience as he is an undrafted free agent, in his second season, so while he has played well, it remains to be seen if the team feels comfortable with him as the team’s third option at cornerback.
Along with Pierre, the team has undrafted free agent Shakur Brown, Justin Layne, Antoine Brooks Jr., and Justin Layne. While it is possible the team goes into the season with some combination of this group, it wouldn’t hurt to at least looking into using some of their remaining cap space to sign a veteran cornerback.
Quinton Dunbar, Prince Amukamara, D.J. Hayden, and several others remain unsigned, and there will only be more who are released ahead of the start of the season. The Steelers proved several years ago that they are willing to sign an impact veteran free agent late in the Preseason when they brought in Joe Haden, there’s no reason to believe they can’t do it again.